A Color and a Cut (The New Natural) :)

Colt’s fiancee, Amber, recently got her cosmetologist license and is getting her business started at one of “The” places to work (locally), when it comes to hair salons.

I went to Amber for the first time Friday, because I was way overdue for a color, cut, and eyebrow wax. And yes, I color my hair and we may never know my true hair color these days, because I have no plans of seeing the natural (if I can help it). I like to think of it as “the new natural”.

I’ve gradually been growing my hair out after an inverted bob a few years ago (which I did love) because I wanted a change and it’s nice to be able to wear my hair up when I want to do so.

I think Amber did a great job! I was very pleased with the layers she put in it. I don’t know if you can tell by the pictures, but I have very fine and thin hair, so anything that gives it volume, I’m all for! She added some layers and gave me “my red” with blondish highlights for depth and dimension. Guess I love red everything, right? :)

And sorry that the pictures aren't the best quality.  We grabbed Jason's camera instead of mine (which is a small point and shoot camera) and Joy just snapped some quick photos for me.

These photos were taken the day after (today), which means I styled my own hair. Believe me the style looked much better when Amber did it. Doesn’t it always look better when they do it though? I noticed that I have it a little puffy there in the back. Wish I had thought to take the photos yesterday. Oh well….

Anyway, I just had to “brag” on her a little bit here because I am really proud of her. I think she’s going to be great at her work! She is very creative. I think my hair is in good hands. :)

Our 28th Anniversary

It's hard to believe that 28 years ago this time, I was excitedly and anxiously awaiting our late evening marriage ceremony! It didn't begin until 8:00 p.m.!

July 31, 1982...


In some ways, it doesn't seem possible that it could be 28 years. Then again in another, it seems like we've always been together. Jason and I have been through many happy seasons, but we've also had our share of difficult seasons in our 28 years.

Then...


We've been blessed beyond measure. I know God gave us each other and I'm so glad we both listened to Him and trusted God on knowing He would send our future mate. Now 28 years later, here we are in a new season of our life which some might say should have been reserved for grandchildren (instead of a new 2 year old). :) But that's okay. The best part is....we're right where God wants us. And we wouldn't want it any other way! I remember praying when I became a Christian (at the age of 10), that I wanted God to plan my life. That still holds true today.

When I think about us, I think how I love the simple things. I love sitting on the back of a 4-wheeler with my arms around Jason just enjoying the ride down the gravel roads. I like taking country drives and just enjoying the scenery (and that's funny because our kids never "get" why we enjoy that...it's boring to them). I like the times we're in deep conversation and I like the times we can just ride in silence holding hands....and be comfortable with either. I love dreaming together....whether it's about our kids, our home improvement projects, our financial goals.....or just growing old together. I like remembering past times together and laughing about them. No, we don't have everything we've dreamed of or desire, but part of the fun is just dreaming it together and the journey getting there.

Now..


This evening, we're going out to dinner to Outback Steakhouse. It will be the first time "out on a date" (which I've missed) since we've been home from China.....and I'm looking forward to it very much!

So to my honey and best friend.....I love you....More! Happy 28th Anniversary, Jason!

~ Tammy ~

** NOTE ** If you would like to read previous anniversary posts and our love story, you can read more here, here, here, and here.

So...What Does a Country Girl Get For Her Birthday?

What DOES a country girl get for her birthday? Well in my case, it was quite a combination.....one that probably was a pretty accurate description of things I love...things that sum up ME...(except there were no decorating things involved but I can fix that with the birthday money, right?).

First of all, the best thing was just the time spent with my family beginning Thursday evening and lasting through the weekend. Thursday evening, we had dinner at El Porton's. Mexican is my favorite, so it's almost-always Mexican food for my birthday dinner. My mom and dad, Aunt Jo and Uncle Wayne, and my father-in-law, joined our family for the dinner.

Friday, Jason took the day off to spend with me on my birthday. He, Joy, and I, just spent the day out and about doing whatever we wanted...including a trip to the mall...and where else but Lowe's? We had lunch at another place I love.....Jason's Deli. Love that place! That evening, I received my big gift from Jason.....wanna see?



That's a Springfield XD 9 mm! Can you tell I'm excited? I was able to try out several handguns of my choosing (with the gun dealer) that felt the best in my hand, and I knew when I shot this one, that it was THE one!

So here's where the title of this post comes in.....how's this for a combination of what a country girl gets for her birthday....and couldn't be happier! Let's see...



That's a handgun, high heels, a belt, a necklace, a gift certificate to have my nails done, and money to go shopping! (Maybe I should try shooting in the high heels)! :)

Saturday, we went to the mall again, and to see a movie (which I recommend), Up.



But I have to tell you that I was so close to tears, not one but three different times during this animated movie! If you get a chance to see it, it really is worth it! Very sweet!

Look at the dry erase board Joy made up and had sitting out for me!



She also made me this!



Colt made me this one!



Jason made me this! (He saw this design on the front of one of Colt's college textbooks)! lol!



I LOVE handmade cards! They are so special to me...especially what's written inside!

And more cards from family and friends....



I also received some email birthday wishes and an e-card from friends too!

Thank you to my my family and friends for making my birthday special! :)

And now, Jason and I have a fun hobby to do together....we've already enjoyed target shooting a couple of times this weekend! (Jason has a Smith & Wesson .40 Sigma). And I have to show you our target practice....



Jason saved it and wrote the date on it.....I guess he was impressed....and maybe a little sentimental??? :) How funny!



So as you see, I had a wonderful birthday....and thanks for all of those that wished me a happy 25th or 29th birthday! You are great! For those wondering, I don't mind telling how old I really am....I just turned 46! Since I don't like the alternative, I'll take every year that the good Lord gives me! :)

And I haven't forgotten about the giveaway I mentioned on my last post! I'm trying to decide for sure what I want to give away...so it will be announced on my very next post! I am so anxious to get around to visiting your blogs too....so don't give up on me! I'll, hopefully, be by soon!

Have a great day! Thank you for stopping by! :)

Our Love Story (Her Story)

I feel like I am so out of touch with all of you. I haven't had time to sit down and catch up on all your blogs. I will have to sit up really late a couple of nights this week to visit. Please don't give up on me...I'm thinking of you...there's just not enough time in a day and my blog list is growing!

Thank you all so much for the comments on Jason's story. Today, I will share with you my side of the story. :) (All of these pictures were taken after we were married at different points...we didn't have a camera while we were dating..I guess).
The only one we could find was the picture from my prom (on Jason's post).




Our Love Story (Her Story) - By Tammy

I had also dated some guys within our church, but never felt any of those were the one for me. I have to say that I do have a quality that can serve me well or not-so-well and that is a streak of stubborness. In this case, I guess you could say it served me well. After dating these others, I had set my standards of dating and finding "the one" high. My mom was praying with me and I wasn't settling for any less! I was looking for a sweet, genuine, treat-me-like-a-queen, Godly kind of guy (and if the Lord was willing...it would be really nice if he was really cute too). He had to click with my family too!

I didn't have any idea that anyone was playing matchmaker with us. Nobody clued me in, so I never even knew (at the time) about Jason's first visit to our church. I don't remember seeing him then. And at this point, let me explain about the guy he saw beside me at church on that first visit. We used to date, but didn't anymore. I had been trying to make it clear that we were only friends. Since I was the church pianist, I would lay my Bible and purse in a pew...then go to the piano. Everytime, he would proceed to go sit beside my stuff. That left me with two options...either pick up my stuff and move it and myself to another pew (which I felt was rude and non-Christian-like) or just sit down and hope for the best. I never wanted to hurt his feelings, so I would sit down and move a "safe distance" over (you know to give him the message) and he would inevitably do the whole-stretch-his-arm-across-the-pew-thing. To anyone behind, I'm sure it appeared we were together with his arm on the pew behind me. That is what Jason saw and these ladies knew the whole truth! :)


The second time he visited I remember well. Yes, I was in a blue terrycloth dress and I was very red! lol! My best friend and I had laid out in the sun for 3 hours and we both looked like lobsters! I even had water blisters on my face! Jason and I were introduced and I thought immediately that he was such a sweet, gentleman-like, confident guy (and he was handsome too). I loved that he was taller than me too! (I'm 5'7" and I always wanted a guy to be a good bit taller than me...he's 5'11"). We talked awhile there at church, then he came over to our house after church. It was very common for us to have folks over after a service for fellowship and food. We would all sit around playing music, singing, and talking...adults, youth and kids alike. He fit right in immediately! He sat beside me on the piano bench and sang right along. I remember playing "Love Me Tender" at some point and he and I singing it (that was a little awkward) but I really felt so comfortable with him. I learned later he felt the same way and pretty much knew that was "it" for him and that he thought I had the longest toes! Yes it's true! lol! He said they wrapped around the piano pedal! (He's always teased me about that).


Later that week, he invited me to go skating with his youth group from church. He had a wreck on the way and was late getting there (everyone was ok). He had to go back and get his dad's truck. Now the thing about that was that it was just the one seat and it was Jason, me, his sister (Holly) and her boyfriend....four of us in that truck. So I was sitting pretty close and I wasn't sure how comfortable I was with that. Then I remember on the way home, we dropped off Holly and her boyfriend and my mind was racing as what to do...Do I move over (Then he'll think I don't like him) OR Do I stay here which was really close because we were packed like sardines in there (It seemed way "too forward" for me). So I decided to scoot over just a bit and not all the way. I think in the end it was the wise choice as he really respected that decision. :)

I knew I really liked this guy. We could talk, and talk, and talk...and our values were exactly alike. We were both looking for the same qualities in a mate. He opened the door for me and was so sweet (and still does the same to this day..ALWAYS). I can't honestly say that I knew at that moment he was "the one" because I had to see if he was as genuine as he seemed.

After two weeks, I knew Jason was the guy I'd marry. I never doubted that he was "it" for me, from that point. God had sent me the one he created for me! We dated for almost 2 years. Jason told you about the engagement, so I won't go through that again. My family loved him! My brother loved him. He said he was a nice change to some of the other guys because he treated him so well. It was very important to me that my family loved him too!



I dreamed of a December wedding, but in the end, it just seemed too far away! So, we moved it up to July. We were married at 8:00 in the evening on July 31, 1982, in the church that we met. It was a simple wedding and I do remember my daddy asking me right before he walked me down the aisle, "Are you sure? It doesn't matter how much money we've spent...we can stop this right now." I couldn't have been more sure about anything.



We will be married 27 years in July and I can honestly say that I love this man more today than on our wedding day. I never thought that was possible, but it's true. He's always treated me so well and loved me unconditionally. I look forward to writing the rest of the chapters of Our Love Story. And....I will always be grateful for two ladies that knew we were right for each other and helping it along.... :)



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In a post later this week, I plan to answer some homeschooling questions asked on the comments of Homeschool Open House. I was going to answer them privately, but I thought there might be others out there wondering about some of these same things. So stay tuned! And thank you for all your visits and comments! I enjoy them all so much!

Our Love Story (His Story)

Last weekend on Valentines Day, I intended to participate in Patty's (of Blessed Beyond) "Our Love Story". That whole weekend, neither Joy nor I felt well really, and I just didn't get around to doing it. I asked Patty if I could still share it with a link to hers, even though it was late, and she said she'd love for me to do so. Click here to read Patty and James' Story.



Now my hubby, Jason, is not the type to care to sit down and type or write anything. He can give wonderful speeches and speak in public (better than I ever thought of doing), but writing is not his "thing". But...I thought you all might be interested in hearing both sides of Our Love Story, so I asked him if he might dictate to me and I would write, then type the post. He said he'd like to do that if I would wait until Saturday. So we sat down at the table, and of course, Joy was there, so I got the silly side first...the hillybilly dialect version (for her entertainment). After I endured that one, he was ready to give me the real thing for the post! lol! So here are his words as he spoke to us:

Our Love Story (His Story)- by Jason

I had casually dated some young ladies of my church, but there just wasn't that click between us. I was invited to a church that I had previously attended for several years. I was told there was a piano player there that was a very attractive Christian young lady. So I went. I was planning to introduce myself. I noticed when she came down from the piano, she sat down next to another young man. I didn't realize she was dating or seeing someone else, so I didn't pursue. Two ladies of the church that knew me from previously attending there (one of which that told me about this piano player) saw me leaving and asked me if I had asked Tammy out. I told them, no, that I had seen her sitting beside someone that I assumed she was dating. And they both told me clearly, "She's NOT DATING anyone...that knucklehead is just following her around." I told them, "I'll just have to see...I'm not going to do anything right now." For not going back in and asking the piano player out, they both followed me out to my car calling me a chicken all the way. I did tell them I'd probably come back in a week or two. Within a month or so, I came back to the church and when the evening service was over, Tammy was coming down the aisle and I was walking toward her to meet her and someone that knew both of us, introduced us. She was wearing a blue dress, kind of a sundress, because she told me the day before she and some friends had gone swimming and gotten sunburned. After that, there was a couple that was invited over to Tammy's house for dinner and they asked me to come too. When we walked in, there she was, sitting on her piano bench at her house. That was it for me. The rest is history.





We dated for about a year and a half. We would have dated longer but there wasn't any need to because I was in love. We became engaged one Sunday night before church. I asked her to marry me in the parking lot of the church...the church we met in....then was married in. We wound up not going into the church that evening. We went back home to show her parents the ring. (They weren't going some reason that night).





I remember asking her dad to marry her. We were painting sealer on an underground water tank. He's good with painting with a brush...makes it look like it comes from a factory. You could tell from the point I asked him to marry her because from that point it looked like a 3 year old tried painting it. He was giving me the responsibility-of-the-husband-talk and since it was his daughter we were talking about, he wasn't too concerned with how that tank looked.



We set a date for December, in 1982, but we moved it up to July 31st of 1982. On that date, we became one. I remember standing in the hall of the church before the entrance door into the auditorium, with all the groomsmen (my daddy was the best man) and I remember I was waiting for him to say something like, "Are you sure this is what you want to do...don't worry about backing out....now's the time if you want." I guess from him knowing me, he knew I had found the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. If you were to know my daddy....to him, there's no since going into something if you already know what the answer is.



After we were married, we were in the truck. We were headed to our honeymoon destination and it was very late. I remember my new wife stretching across and laying her head in my lap because she was tired and I knew then that she trusted me. (Very few people go to sleep when I'm driving). At that point alot of things ran through my mind....that being a husband is not just a ceremony...being a husband is being a caretaker of the family and he must provide, perservere, and he must protect at all costs.


Come back for Her Story (Tammy's story) on the next post.....